AIFS Partnership Programs: Faculty-Led Study Abroad Programs

Cultural Program & Excursions

All AIFS programs include excursions within London, the UK and Europe. AIFS works closely will each school to choose the most suitable daytrips, cultural events and weekend trips. AIFS also arranges a number of visits in London to complement the British Life and Culture Course. These visits include The Globe Theatre, The British Museum, and The Houses of Parliament.

Daytrips

Listed below are some of the most popular daytrips. A professional guide leads all of the daytrips to ensure that the students get the most out of the experience.

Daytrip to Stratford-upon-Avon
Birthplace of William Shakespeare, Stratford is steeped in history and culture. Nestling in the beautiful rural Warwickshire countryside, on the banks of the river Avon, this picturesque town provides its visitors with plenty to do and see, especially if you are interested in the life and times of Shakespeare.

Daytrip to Stonehenge and Salisbury
Stonehenge is probably one of the most important prehistoric monuments in Britain and one of the most famous World Heritage Sites. This tour also includes a visit to Salisbury Cathedral, which has the highest spire in Britain.

Daytrip to Bath
Bath is a gorgeous town with more history than you can shake a stick at! From the fascinating Roman baths, to the intimidating Bath Abbey, and the Georgian elegance of the Pump Room, there is plenty to keep a tourist busy. Taking the waters (drinking water from the spring) in the Pump Room is a must, but definitely more for the experience than the taste!

Daytrip to Oxford
One of the most famous university towns in the world, Oxford has a lot to offer even if highbrow academia isn’t your bag! The trip includes entry to the largest college, Christ Church, which has stunning architecture, and beautiful gardens, as well as some extremely famous alumni (W.H. Auden, Lewis Carroll, Albert Einstein, Sir Christopher Wren, and 13 different Prime Ministers have all studied there!)

Cultural Events

AIFS also offers a number of differing cultural events. AIFS works closely with schools to choose the most suitable events. Below is a list of the most popular:

Wicked
The untold story of the witches of Oz, Wicked is a new award-winning musical. Follow the story of Elphaba, the misunderstood witch, who eventually becomes the Wicked Witch of the West.

Jack the Ripper Walking Tour
Probably the most notorious serial killer in British history, Jack the Ripper preyed on prostitutes in Whitechapel in 1888. He was never caught, and his story is still chilling, so you might not want to walk home alone afterwards!

Avenue Q
This controversial musical guarantees laughs-a-plenty, and certainly delivers. Although the main characters are puppets, this is definitely not a show for kids; and possibly not for the easily offended either.

Football Match
And no, we’re not talking about American Football! Watch a game of soccer in its home country. Even if you don’t follow football, a live game is worth seeing – just pick a side to support!

Weekend Trips

AIFS offers it semester and quarter students the opportunity to participate different optional weekends. An AIFS staff member accompanies the students on all of the weekend trips and is a great way to see different places and meet new friends. Please note that tours vary throughout the year.

Scotland
The tour gives students the opportunity to discover the magic of the Scottish Highlands. Beginning in Edinburgh the tour provides you with the opportunity to see magnificent mountains, remote lochs and glens and experience its fascinating history and culture. Students will stay in Loch Ness and the Isle of Sky.

Krakow
Krakow is an amazing city filled with lots of history. The tour includes a guided tour of Krakow including the Jewish Quarter. On the final day of the tour the students visits Auschwitz which is a very moving and unforgettable experience. Many students who have been on the Krakow tour admitted that it was a destination that they would not visit independently. However 100% of our participants would recommend this tour.

Switzerland
For the more adventurous; AIFS offers an action packed weekend in Switzerland. The trip offers students the chance to skydive, paraglide, canon jump and snow permitting ski in the Swiss Alps.